Trustees Absent

Ms. Toni Crawford, Mr. Kevin M. Twomey

Guests

Dr. Richard Gropper, Ms. Kathy Klein, Ms. Michele Bronner

Chair’s Remarks

Chair Thompson expressed gratitude for everyone’s participation in the workshop. She stated that the board was in its fifth year and now was the time to discuss the board’s structure -- committee structure, consent agenda and annual goals.

Chair Thompson said that the workshop would also provide an update on Athletics’ budget, reflecting the transition to NCAA Division I. She also said that the workshop would provide clarification on the board’s role in governmental affairs.

President’s Remarks

President Delaney stated that there was a continued effort to monitor athletes’ GPAs, SAT scores, and graduation rates.

President Delaney stated that the faculty union contract was still pending approval and mediation was set for mid-December.

Athletics Update

Assistant Director of Athletics, Ms. Kathy Klein spoke about the many differences between Division I and II compliance rules. She stated that the Athletics Department had committed resources to monitor these rules.

UNF’s Compliance Officer, Ms. Michelle Bronner spoke to the board, outlining their role in compliance. She stated that each trustee represented UNF in a two-fold manner – primarily as a liaison to prospective athletes and secondarily as a governing body for institutional policy relating to student athletes. She clarified that the NCAA required any policies applicable to student athletes also be applicable to all students.

Ms. Bronner stated that the trustees were representatives of Athletics’ interest. She asked that trustees explore compliance issues prior to public speaking engagements on related matters. Ms. Bronner provided the trustees with a list of do’s and don’ts and referred them to the UNF website for updates.

Athletics Budget

Vice President Shuman presented an overview of Athletics’ budget, representative of the first semester of transition. She stated that the new projections for credit hours were 364,000. This projection put the budget ahead of schedule within this category. Ticket sales for baseball and basketball would be major contributors to the budget and these sports had not yet started. Vice President Shuman stated that Athletics should be above budget on interest income and below expectancy on expenses.

President Delaney stated that the transition reflected no detrimental impact to Athletics’ budget.

Director of Athletics, Dr. Richard Gropper stated that there had been a marked difference in support from the community since the announcement was made to move to Division I. He stated that the three-year campaign goal was to raise $5 million in scholarship funding and that currently there was $1.3 million available for scholarship funding.

Governance and Legislative Issues

Vice President Owen discussed the current issues at the Board of Governors and current legislative initiatives. When the issue of community college baccalaureate degrees came up, Chair Thompson requested that time for further discussion be provided at a future meeting.

Board Structure

Chair Thompson stated that the board was considering a change in the committee structure by adding an Executive Committee and a Compensation Committee. She also stated that the board was considering the use of a consent agenda for full board meetings. Each of these considerations would be taken through the current committee structure and the forwarded to the full board.

Trustee Taylor stated that he supported each of these considerations and President Delaney stated that these considerations would allow the board to consider larger strategic issues.

Chair Thompson stated that the committee structure and meeting dates would be addressed at the next workshop, currently scheduled for February.

Chair Thompson stated that the university and board should broaden perspectives to include JCCI and the Mayor’s Blueprint for Prosperity – raise salaries for lower income families, and community needs and aspirations. She stated that academic facilities should mesh with community needs to accomplish this plan.

Chair Thompson stated that the board should revisit the direction of the university regarding whether to broaden its research capacity. She stated that this should be further researched.

2005-2006 Annual Goals

President Delaney stated that he was trying to move toward measurable goals regarding his 11-point plan.

Trustee Halverson stated that these annual goals would deter outside entities from setting policy for higher education. He referred to JCCI’s current report, stating that it did not represent higher education positively. Higher education was in a better position to develop a set of policies and needed to take that agenda firmly in hand. The board needed to know where UNF was headed and why. He stated that the board had a fiduciary responsibility to perceive community needs, educate the Governor on these needs and inform him on UNF’s path to provide these needs. Chair Thompson stated that UNF and the board needed to have more input into the education portion of JCCI’s Blueprint for Prosperity program.

Chair Thompson concluded by stating that the annual goals were very well articulated and that this was an evolving process and could be modified.

Adjournment

Chair Thompson thanked everyone for their participation in a successful workshop and reminded the trustees of the upcoming meetings.